Philippine Airlines Selects Thales Avionics Equipment for their new Airbus fleet

June 20, 2013
The package includes the TopFlight FMS (Flight Management System) for which a new software version is being supplied for PAL’s new aircraft.

Paris Air Show, 20th June 2013 - Philippine Airlines (PAL) have selected an extensive range of Thales Avionics equipment for their 44 A321s and 20 A330s.

The package includes the TopFlight FMS (Flight Management System) for which a new software version is being supplied for PAL’s new aircraft. Release 1A, certified on the Airbus A320 and A330 Family, provides new capabilities such as Required Navigation Performance with Authorization Required (RNP AR down to RNP 0.1) and GNSS Landing System (GLS) capabilities.

Other unique functionalities include the FMS Landing System (FLS), which provides a new way to fly non-precision approaches using ILS (Instrument Landing System)-like procedures, thus enhancing situational awareness and substantially reducing training time and cost through standardized procedures.

Existing features like the multi-revision temporary flight plan with undo function and an enhanced intuitive “What You See is What You Fly” display system remain unique to Thales Avionics technology on those aircraft families.

PAL have also selected Thales Avionics for the provision of their Low Range Radio Altimeter (LRRA), one of the most reliable Radio Altimeters on the market, boasting an average MTBF (Mean Time Between Failure) of 40,000 flight hours across the worldwide Airbus fleet.

The Integra Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT), a brand new product from Airbus market-leader THALES/KANAD, comprising unique features such as integrated GPS and antennas, will also to be installed on PAL’s new Airbus fleet.

“Once again, THALES has demonstrated their unwavering support and commitment in providing quality products and services to PAL. We are pleased to have THALES onboard our aircraft.” said PAL president and COO Ramon Ang.

“Thales Avionics is very excited about PAL’s decision to have Thales Avionics onboard their Single Aisle and Long Range aircraft. This selection is a testament to Thales Avionics products and also our commitment to support customers in Asia, where our current 60% market share on TopFlight FMS is growing thanks to the performance and the reliability of our products,” said Wee Boon Chong, Vice President and General Manager of Thales Avionics Asia. “Airline customers also have immense confidence in the long-term commitments of the Thales Avionics product support organization,” Wee adds.

About Thales

Thales is a global technology leader for the Defence & Security and the Aerospace & Transportation markets. In 2012, the company generated revenues of €14.2 billion with 65,000 employees in 56 countries. With its 25,000 engineers and researchers, Thales has a unique capability to design, develop and deploy equipment, systems and services that meet the most complex security requirements. Thales has an exceptional international footprint, with operations around the world working with customers and local partners. www.thalesgroup.com

About PAL

Philippine Airlines sprung to life with a noble mission – to be partner in nation building. With this mind, PAL first took to the skies on March 15, 1941 using a five-seater Beech Model 18 aircraft amid the specter of a global war. That flight distinguished PAL as Asia's first airline. Since then, PAL has been involved in shaping the course of Philippine history, etching numerous firsts in local commercial aviation and earning the respect of the international airline community.

PAL's trend-setting service on ground and inflight has won the hearts of travelers worldwide. It continues to set the standard of excellence in airline service even after seven decades.
Today, PAL keeps in step with technological advancements to maintain those standards, including the acquisition of as many as 100 of the latest aircraft types, configured to offer luxurious inflight amenities. With new airplanes, PAL will be able to fly to more exciting destinations.

Passengers now can enjoy a host of conveniences beyond what a full service airline offers –
Online booking that accepts ticket purchases through credit card, PAL Ambassadors at Manila's Terminal 2 assisting passengers, easy connections to a wide network of domestic and international flights out of Manila, sumptuous inflight dishes prepared by five international chefs, option of iPads for inflight entertainment on long-haul flights, and more.

PAL is the only Philippine carrier certified safe by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), and the only airline with Business Class in all domestic flights.